Vp/Dimethiconylacrylate/Polycarbamyl Polyglycol Ester is an inorganic chemical compound, a segmented block copolymer derived from urethane and synthesised from isocyanates.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• "VP" indicates a vinylpyrrolidone copolymer, often used as a film-forming agent in cosmetic products.
• "Dimethiconylacrylate" combines "dimethicone", a type of silicone, with "acrylate", indicating it's an acrylic derivative modified with dimethicone groups.
• "Polycarbamyl Polyglycol Ester" indicates a polyglycol ester with carbamyl groups.

Description of raw materials used in production and their functions.

• Vinylpyrrolidone (VP). Used as a monomer in the formation of polymers. Provides hydration and enhances product spreadability.
• Dimethiconylacrylate. A monomer that gives elastic and flexible properties to the resulting polymer.
• Polycarbamyl Polyglycol. Serves as a polymeric backbone and is used to confer film-forming properties to the polymer.
• Catalysts. Materials that speed up the polymerization without directly participating.
• Solvents. Used to improve mixing and reaction processing.

Form. Typically a viscous liquid or a gel.

Color. Ranges from colorless to pale yellow.

Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process.

• Preparation of reagents. VP, Dimethiconylacrylate, and Polycarbamyl Polyglycol are purified and readied for reaction.
• Polymerization. The monomers are combined in the presence of a catalyst to form the polymer.
• Neutralization. Any residual monomers are neutralized.
• Purification. The resulting product is purified to remove impurities and undesired substances.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Film-forming agent. It produces a continuous ultra-thin film with an optimal balance of cohesion, adhesion and stickiness on the skin or hair to counteract or limit damage from external phenomena such as chemicals, UV rays and pollution.

Safety

Polyurethanes are rather complex, inert and biostable materials that are also used in biomedical applications. They are typically synthesised by the reaction of a glycol or polyol with polyisocyanate or diisocyanate. It is known that exposure to isocyanates can cause asthma, contact allergies, conjunctival and skin irritation. However, a study by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel in 2017 found that the rates of harmful residues are not significant for human health.

https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Polyur092017FR.pdf

Urethane (also called ethyl carbamate) is a by-product of fermentation and is considered a genotoxic agent.

Commercial Applications

Cosmetics and Skin Care. Due to its film-forming properties, VP/Dimethiconylacrylate/Polycarbamyl Polyglycol Ester is used in cosmetic formulations to form a film on the skin or hair. This can help seal in moisture and provide a protective barrier.

Hair Care Products. In hair products, it can aid in providing hold, definition, and shine to the hair. It can also reduce frizz and improve hair manageability.